Support of male dominance in Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park and Emma by Jane Austen While there is no shortage of male opinions regarding the role of females, who usually approve of that male dominance, there is a lack of women expressing opinions about their forced submission to men. This past subordination is precisely the reason why so few women have spoken out openly against their position, and the search for women who express the desire for independence necessarily extends to the few historical works by women that exist. Jane Austen is a well-known author, and it is natural that her novels are studied in an attempt to find a hidden feminist voice. However, while some feminist elements may exist, a common theme found in the novels Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and Emma, ​​makes it impossible to label these works as completely supportive of feminism. The idea that women should not be allowed to have power, that they should be controlled by men, and that men should use their power to the fullest is inescapable. This idea is raised repeatedly in these novels. One aspect of this theme expresses the belief that women should not have power as this causes women to become corrupt and harm those around them. In Pride and Prejudice, Mrs. Bennet and Lady Catherine are great examples of why women should not be allowed to be in control. Although not the head of the household, Mrs. Bennet is in control because her husband prefers to watch rather than participate in the household. This is demonstrated when Mrs. Bennet was embarrassing the family with her transparent attempt to give Jane and Mr. Bingley more time together after everyone else had left the ball, and Mr. Bennet didn't try to s.. .... middle of paper...the rest of the women are served control and encouragement to the full use of male authority. Although this idea is supported by characters from his imagination and has no basis in reality, it further supports the patriarchal power system. It is not known whether Jane Austen was aware of this theme, but even if she did not intend for it to happen, it is no less real. Works Cited Austen, Jane. Pride and prejudice. Norton Critical 3rd edition, ed. Donald Gray New York and London: Norton, 2001. Austen, Jane. Emma. Norton Critical 3rd edition, ed. Donald Gray New York and London: Norton, 2001. Austen, Jane. Mansfield Park. Norton Critical 3rd edition, ed. Donald Gray New York and London: Norton, 2001.Trilling, Lionel. "Mansfield Park". Jane Austen: a collection of critical essays. Ian Watts, ed. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1963.